Bicyclist who tried to flee police faces charges

LORAIN — A man who tried to flee from police on a bicycle later was charged with bringing crack cocaine into the jail, police said.

Eric Payne, 54, was charged with resisting arrest, possession of cocaine, tampering with evidence, illegal conveyance, obstructing official business, impeding the flow of traffic and riding a bike without a license about 10 p.m. Sunday.

Police initially saw Payne riding his bicycle northbound on Broadway into traffic, forcing vehicles to slow down to pass him, according to a police report.

When officers tried to stop Payne he told them, “I don’t have to stop for you,” and continued riding his bike, turning onto West 28th Street.

Officers cut him off at the intersection of Reid Avenue and West 28th, where they wrestled him to the ground, according to the report. Payne told police he didn’t have a license to ride his bicycle in the city and that he fled because he thought there was a warrant out for his arrest.

According to a Lorain city ordinance, it is illegal to ride a bike in the street or on a public path unless the bicycle has been licensed and has a license sticker.

Police took Payne to the Lorain City Jail where he was searched. A rock of crack cocaine was found in his belongings. Payne said the crack wasn’t his and started yelling at officers until another inmate told him to “shut up,” according to the report.

Officers searched Payne again and found more crack hidden in his sock, police said.

Payne was held at Lorain County Jail on Tuesday on a $25,000 bond. His court date is Monday at Lorain Municipal Court.